Culinary Arts revolves around the preparation of high-quality food available in restaurants, hotels and cafes, etc. It is also concerned with the management of a professional kitchen that keeps such places running. As a culinary arts student, you will learn how to utilize different ingredients, implement various types of recipes, prepare and present gourmet food, etc.
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You will also learn about nutrition and the science behind food preparation. With an education in culinary arts, you can find work as a chef, restaurant/hotel manager, food critic, restaurateur, etc. Getting a post-BACC education in the field can benefit people who are looking to start their careers in the culinary world and would also help those individuals who want to switch their current vocation for a culinary one.
If you are also interested in pursuing a post-BACC program in culinary arts, then this piece has some important information for you. Read on to find out what options you have.
What Is Culinary Arts?
Culinary Arts refers to the practice of sourcing, preparing, cooking and presenting food items, usually in a hotel, restaurant or a café. The term culinary means “relating to food.” People working in this field are expected to have an expert understanding of nutrition, food science and dietary guidelines.
Below is a list of popular post-BACC programs in culinary arts.
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Culinary Arts Certificate
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Diploma Programs in Culinary Arts
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Associate in Culinary Arts
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Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Culinary Arts
What Can You Do with a Post-BACC (Post-Baccalaureate) in Culinary Arts?
After completing a Post-BACC Program in Culinary Arts, you can pursue different jobs. The most popular ones include Chef, Head Cook, Baker, Restaurant and Hotel Manager, Restaurateur, Wine Sommelier, Caterer and Food Critic, etc. Salary details for some of these occupations are provided below. All given data has been obtained from the latest records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Chefs and Head Cooks
Chefs and Head Cooks manage the daily preparation of food in cafes, restaurants, hotels, hospital kitchens, etc.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$51,530
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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11%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$56,310
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
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California
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21,370
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019
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Hawaii
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$78,640
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Food Service Managers
Food Service Managers are responsible for the smooth running of daily operations at a restaurant, hotel, banquet hall and other establishments where food is prepared and served in large quantities.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$55,320
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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11%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$59,820
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
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California
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40,440
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019
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New Jersey
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$83,350
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Bakers
Bakers specialize in preparing many different kinds of baked food items such as bread, cookies, pastries and cakes, etc.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$27,700
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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6%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$29,630
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
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California
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23,580
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019
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Hawaii
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$38,080
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What to Expect from a Post-BACC Program in Culinary Arts?
The duration and course contents of different post-BACC programs in Culinary Arts tend to vary. For instance, a certificate or diploma program is usually a short-term option that can be completed in a few months. In some cases, certificate/diploma programs may last up to 1 year.
On the other hand, the Associate in Culinary Arts and the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts programs take 2 years to complete. Moreover, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Culinary Arts is a 4-year program. Coursework tends to include Culinary Nutrition, Food Preparation, Baking Techniques, Menu Planning, Food Hygiene and Safety Standards, Restaurant Management, Guest Relations, Cost Control, Wine and Beverage Management, Catering and Banquets Handling, National and International Cuisine, etc.
How to Choose a Post-BACC Program in Culinary Arts?
When picking a school and a post-BACC program to pursue, the most important thing to consider is the accreditation status. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is a major accrediting organization for culinary education programs in the country. Other aspects to consider include the fee structure, program duration, campus location and potential future career opportunities, etc.
Post-BACC in Culinary Arts Admission Requirements
In general, certificate and diploma programs in culinary arts do not have any binding admission criteria or prerequisites. On the other hand, the Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees require the completion of a High School Diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) Certificate.